Apple’s iPhone 14 is equipped with a new feature known as Crash Detection, which claims to utilize the phone’s accelerometer and high-dynamic range gyroscope to detect if a user has been in a car accident. In such a scenario, the iPhone automatically dials emergency services if the user is unable to do so themselves. The barometer, GPS, and microphone are also utilized in this process.
However, the feature has faced some setbacks, with a report from The Wall Street Journal last year stating that it was being triggered on roller coasters. Apple later released iOS 16.1.2 to address these issues.
Despite the company’s efforts, the Crash Detection system has continued to trigger false calls. Between December 16 and January 23, the Japanese Alps emergency services received 134 false calls, mainly from the iPhone 14’s Crash Detection system triggering while users were skiing down the slopes. Out of the 919 emergency calls received by the Fire Department Kita-Alps Nagano, nearly 10% were false.
Local authorities are advising users to inform emergency services if they realize they made a false call, and to answer a return call if they receive one. Apple is reportedly working with the local emergency services to further mitigate the issue.
